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GOP Then and Now

President Obama today is faced by two implacable enemies. Outside our borders there is radical Islam, which hates him as the leader of the secular Western world. Within there is the extreme conservative alliance, dedicated to defeating any attempt he makes to solve national problems.

In 1860 President Lincoln faced just one enemy, the internal threat of secession by radical States’ Righters, who hated him as the leader of a majority who would vote to destroy their economic and social system. He offered compromise. They replied at Sumter, and four bloody years later secession ended at Appomattox.

All along the Republican Party were the stalwart defenders of the President and the Union. Where does that party stand today?

W.R. Deeble, West Tisbury

Comments (4)

peter robb, Holliston and Oak Bluffs

I see Mr. Deeble has been reading up on his US History. But on further reflection, one can easily refute his points. I resent his obvious comparison of various legitimate, law abiding opponents of President Obama to Southern secessionists who held slaves and took up arms against the Union. His letter should be dismissed on this basis alone!
Mr. Deeble claims that the US only has one foreign enemy: "radical Islam." What about China? Russia? Venezuela? North Korea? How does Mr. Deeble feel about the president's speech this week in Germany which proclaimed America's desire to cut our nuclear weapons by 1/3rd? Even the Russians laughed at this one.
Clearly half the country feels we are on the wrong track. Mr. Obama's poll numbers are way down. It is our duty to speak up, Mr. Deeble. Unless you would support removing the First Amendment.
I support the country, not a party, Mr. Deeble. As an Independent, I am for whoever has the best ideas. Right now, it is not Team Obama. While I often vote for Republicans, I do not agree with some of the party's ideas. Indeed, the party is in a state of flux and by the next presidential election, will have a new look. One area that will not change however, is fiscal responsibility and the idea of limited government. Democrats are for expanding government at every level and higher taxes to pay for the State. (I refer you to the disaster that is Detroit for proof of Democrat policies run amok. The city is on the brink of filing for bankruptcy.)
I fear for our country. If Obama is not impeached, he will continue to change America for the worse. Sadly, I'm not sure anyone can undo what he has already done.
Peter Robb, Holliston and Oak Bluffs

Funny, I remember the libs all worked up about George Bush and protesting his every move. That was all about free speech and being a loyal American. Remember Hillary Clinton's speech about challenging the president as being very patriotic? Now that the Left has captured the White House, dissent is no longer allowed. Being a good Liberal means never having to say you're sorry. Sad but we are used to it here in Blue MA.
Peter Robb

In light of Mr. Deeble's questioning my status as an Independent, I would ask him now to share with us the number of times he crossed party lines to vote for a conservative/Republican? I think we already know the answer to that one.
Peter Robb